The Duchess

You'll find The Duchess tucked away on Bench Street, which means it's close enough to the town centre bustle but far enough that it actually feels like a proper neighbourhood spot. This is where Dover people go when they want a straightforward pint and something that doesn't pretend to be anything it's not—think solid pub classics, reasonable prices, and staff who actually know your name after a couple of visits. The crowd's a proper mix of locals, workers grabbing lunch, and the odd visitor who's stumbled down from the high street.